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Jewish American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12
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The "Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide" from the Library of Congress provides a valuable resource for exploring the legal framework and history behind commemorative observances...more
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The "Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide" from the Library of Congress provides a valuable resource for exploring the legal framework and history behind commemorative observances in the United States. It includes information on federal laws, presidential proclamations, and public laws establishing official observances such as holidays, awareness months, and significant anniversaries. The guide offers links to key legal documents, historical context, and research tips, making it an excellent tool for teachers designing lessons on civic education, American history, or government. Its accessible format helps students and educators better understand how national observances are legally and culturally recognized.
In the Classroom
Assign students to investigate how a commemorative observance becomes official, from public advocacy to federal laws or presidential proclamations. They can use examples from the guide, such as the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Students can then write a short essay or give a presentation explaining the process. Use the guide's links to access examples of presidential proclamations for national observances. Assign students to analyze one proclamation, examining its language, tone, and purpose. They can summarize its main points and discuss why such proclamations are significant. Challenge students to select and research a lesser-known commemorative observance (ex., National Hispanic Heritage Month or Constitution Day) using the guide. Students can also create these presentations using a resource such as Google Slides, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Here's Why These Six Ancient Civilizations Mysteriously Collapsed - History.com
Grades
6 to 12
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The History.com article 6 Civilizations That Mysteriously Collapsed examines the sudden and often unexplained declines of six ancient civilizations: the Maya, Indus Valley, Ancestral...more
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The History.com article 6 Civilizations That Mysteriously Collapsed examines the sudden and often unexplained declines of six ancient civilizations: the Maya, Indus Valley, Ancestral Puebloans, Cahokia, Easter Island, and Greenland's Norse settlements. The article explores contributing factors such as drought, deforestation, resource depletion, social upheaval, and climate change, providing insights into how these societies thrived before facing challenges that led to their downfall. This resource is ideal for educators teaching history, geography, or anthropology, as it encourages students to analyze the interplay between human activity and environmental factors. Teachers can use it to promote critical thinking through discussions, research projects, or comparative studies on the rise and fall of civilizations throughout history.
tag(s): india (32), mayans (14), mexico (31), native americans (108), vikings (10)
In the Classroom
Students can work in teams to design a hypothetical civilization that could thrive while addressing challenges faced by the ancient ones. Teams present their civilization plans as a poster, model, or digital presentation such as Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here. Using an online tool such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here, students could create a collaborative timeline showing when and how each civilization flourished and eventually declined. Students research a modern society facing similar challenges, including climate change and resource depletion, and compare it to one of the ancient civilizations discussed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FlyOver Zone - FlyOver Zone
Grades
6 to 12
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FlyOver Zone offers free 3D modeling of various world heritage sites and monuments. FlyOver Zone tours visit the Acropolis, Baalbek Reborn temple, Tenochtitlan, Basilica of Maxentius,...more
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FlyOver Zone offers free 3D modeling of various world heritage sites and monuments. FlyOver Zone tours visit the Acropolis, Baalbek Reborn temple, Tenochtitlan, Basilica of Maxentius, Casino (or Villa) Aurora, and many more. You must create a free account to access the 3D reconstructions and the tour itself. Each site and/or monument will give a brief description, and some offer lesson plans.
tag(s): architecture (74), art history (93), virtual field trips (119)
In the Classroom
Have your students do more research on the site or monument that they visited. Students can research the construction and remodeling of the site and/or monument by creating a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here. Another idea, challenge your students to create their 3D model of the site and/or monument.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism - Chronicle
Grades
6 to 12
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The Chronicle video "The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism" explores the rich history and traditions of pre-Columbian Native American life, as narrated by Dr....more
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The Chronicle video "The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism" explores the rich history and traditions of pre-Columbian Native American life, as narrated by Dr. Evan Adams, an Indigenous Canadian actor, playwright, and physician. It provides a three-hour video divided into chapters, making it accessible for specific topics like creation stories, ancient tools, and cultural traditions. The video features "like" timestamps for easy navigation and a synchronized transcript for immersive learning. The message "In 1492, our world was changed forever. But we did not disappear" captures the resilience and ongoing significance of Native cultures, inviting students and educators alike to delve into this history. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): colonial america (95), native americans (108)
In the Classroom
Provide blank maps of the Americas and have students label regions with the Indigenous groups discussed in the video. Include a key for languages, traditions, or significant achievements. Using a free tool like Class Tools reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, students can build timelines highlighting major events and cultural milestones for Native American societies before European contact. Students research how specific Indigenous groups preserved their traditions post-1492. They can present findings as posters or slideshows/videos using Google Slides, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here, connecting past resilience to present-day Indigenous activism. Assign students to read and compare creation stories featured in the video with myths from other cultures they've studied. They can create Venn diagrams to identify similarities and differences.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Amplifying Indigenous Experiences - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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Looking to make your classroom buzz with learning and discovery? The PBS LearningMedia resource "Amplifying Indigenous Experiences: Video Gallery" is perfect for engaging students in...more
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Looking to make your classroom buzz with learning and discovery? The PBS LearningMedia resource "Amplifying Indigenous Experiences: Video Gallery" is perfect for engaging students in a fun, hands-on way. The 5E model guides students to explore, explain, and connect ideas as they learn. The activity features a "Gallery Walk," where students move around, share ideas, and dive into fascinating videos and stories. Plus, it includes highlights from "Unladylike 2020," showcasing trailblazing women in history.
tag(s): native americans (108), women (146), womenchangemaker (33)
In the Classroom
After watching a video, students can work in groups to create a historical timeline of Indigenous trailblazers using Timelinely, reviewed here or Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Students create artwork or write short stories inspired by the videos. Students can watch a video and then participate in a debate or role-play activity where they represent key figures or viewpoints from the story. Students can then select a video and create a short reflective video explaining how the story connects to current events or their own experiences using a tool like Padlet, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Jerry Cans - Mamaqtuq - Making The Case
Grades
5 to 12
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The YouTube video "The Jerry Cans - Ukiuq" showcases a dynamic folk song performed in Inuktitut, the Indigenous language of the Inuit people. The music video offers a unique opportunity...more
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The YouTube video "The Jerry Cans - Ukiuq" showcases a dynamic folk song performed in Inuktitut, the Indigenous language of the Inuit people. The music video offers a unique opportunity to explore Indigenous culture through its energetic rhythm and expressive storytelling with vibrant visuals. This engaging piece highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous languages and traditions in a modern context. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): cultures (171), native americans (108)
In the Classroom
Watch the video without subtitles and encourage students to guess the lyrics based on the visuals and tone of the song. Afterward, replay the video with captions enabled to reveal the actual lyrics, sparking discussions about cultural expressions, language diversity, and the importance of preserving indigenous traditions. Assign small groups to research the Inuit culture, focusing on their traditions, history, or current efforts to preserve their language and way of life. Each group can creatively present their findings, such as a skit or a short essay. After watching the video, have students create a short storyboard using a resource such as Story Maps, reviewed here or a drawing inspired by the visuals they saw. Ask them to interpret what story the video is telling and how the imagery connects to the song's mood and themes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like - PBS
Grades
6 to 12
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The website "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like" is part of the podcast series "The Bigger Picture" from Thirteen.org, which examines the hidden stories behind iconic photos. This...more
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The website "This Photo Isn't What It Looks Like" is part of the podcast series "The Bigger Picture" from Thirteen.org, which examines the hidden stories behind iconic photos. This episode focuses on a photo of ethnographer Frances Densmore and Piegan Blackfeet tribe leader Mountain Chief. Through podcasts and storytelling, it encourages students to think critically about the meaning behind images and how they shape our understanding of history. It's a powerful resource for teaching media literacy and sparking thoughtful discussions in the classroom.
tag(s): media literacy (107), native americans (108), photography (120)
In the Classroom
Show the photo of Frances Densmore and Mountain Chief. Discuss the assumption that the picture represents a "dying culture." Then, ask students to write captions for the photo reflecting the spirit of Native American culture today. Assign students to research modern Blackfeet cultural practices using the video and additional sources. Create a class presentation showcasing art, music, language revitalization, or other aspects of Blackfeet life today. They can use Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to present their findings. Students can create visual or written works inspired by what they learned about Mountain Chief and contemporary Blackfeet culture.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Whose Land Lesson Plans - BOLD Realities
Grades
2 to 12
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The Whose Land website offers interactive tools and lesson plans to help students learn about Indigenous territories and the history of land ownership in North America. The platform...more
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The Whose Land website offers interactive tools and lesson plans to help students learn about Indigenous territories and the history of land ownership in North America. The platform includes resources like videos, maps, and guided activities encouraging students to explore whose land they live on and the importance of Indigenous sovereignty. The lesson plans are suitable for various grade levels and promote critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues related to Indigenous peoples and land rights. These materials are designed to foster respect for Indigenous cultures and awareness of ongoing settlement efforts. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if you are planning to use these resources in the classroom.
tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (108)
In the Classroom
After exploring the website, guide students in writing their land acknowledgment. They can reflect on what they learned about the land and its original stewards. Have students create a timeline of significant events in their region's history of Indigenous land rights. Students can accomplish this project using printed materials from the website, or create a digital timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Have students use the Whose Land interactive map to identify the Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages of their local area. Follow up with a class discussion or short presentation on their findings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources - Zinn Education Project
Grades
6 to 12
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The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience...more
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The Indigenous Peoples' Day Resources webpage from the Zinn Education Project provides resources to challenge traditional narratives of Columbus Day by centering the history and resilience of Indigenous peoples. It offers lesson plans, articles, and book recommendations aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the colonial impact on Native communities and celebrating Indigenous cultures and histories. These materials are designed to help educators engage students with Indigenous peoples' historical and ongoing struggles, encouraging a more inclusive and accurate view of history. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): columbus day (8), native americans (108)
In the Classroom
Students can create posters, poems, or videos celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions. Use a tool such as Canva Edu, reviewed here. They might research Indigenous art, music, or traditions and present their findings creatively. Use a lesson plan where students take on roles of Indigenous people, European settlers, or other historical figures to explore the impact of colonization. Role-playing encourages empathy and helps students understand multiple perspectives. Have students research local Indigenous history, such as tribes native to their area, and create a presentation or written report. The presentation can be completed digitally using Google Slides, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game - National Indian Education Association
Grades
6 to 8
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"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines...more
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"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines cultural learning with critical thinking and mathematical skills. The document includes detailed instructions for playing Picaria, a game similar to tic-tac-toe, with background information on its cultural significance. Teachers can use this resource to enrich math or social studies lessons, encouraging strategic thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation for Indigenous traditions in an interactive and meaningful way.
tag(s): native americans (108), problem solving (228)
In the Classroom
After playing the game, discuss the cultural significance of Picaria and its origins in the Zuni Pueblo. Have students research other Indigenous games and share their findings with the class. They can use Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here to make digital presentations of their findings. In math class, analyze the strategies used in Picaria and connect them to mathematical concepts like probability, patterns, or logic. Have students write about or present the mathematical strategies they used to win. Challenge students to design their own versions of Picaria boards using geometry and measurement concepts. Host a class-wide Picaria tournament where students compete in pairs. Use a bracket system to track progress, encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition.
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Internet Archive - Brewster Kahle
Grades
3 to 12
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Internet Archive is a massive digital library offering free access to millions of books, movies, music, websites, and more. Use this resource to find historical documents, classic literature,...more
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Internet Archive is a massive digital library offering free access to millions of books, movies, music, websites, and more. Use this resource to find historical documents, classic literature, educational videos, and archived websites to support lessons in almost any subject. The "Wayback Machine" is especially useful for exploring the history of websites, while the extensive eBook and audio collections can enhance reading assignments. Internet Archive is a great tool for expanding classroom materials and encouraging independent research or exploration.
tag(s): audio books (26), digital storytelling (153), ebooks (43), literature (220), media literacy (107), movies (54)
In the Classroom
Make a digital scavenger hunt by creating a list of questions or tasks that require students to search for answers using the Internet Archive, such as finding a historical document or an old movie clip. Encourage students to find supplementary materials, like old videos, music, or texts, to add depth to a research project or presentation on a historical or cultural topic. Use the Wayback Machine to explore how a popular website looked at different points in history. Discuss how technology and design have changed over time. Assign students to locate and analyze primary source documents, such as speeches, newspapers, or historical books, to support history or social studies lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Friends of Gillette Castle State Park - The Gillette Castle Friends
Grades
4 to 12
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The Gillette Castle Friends website's photo and video gallery offers an engaging glimpse into the unique architecture and history of Gillette Castle, built by the actor William Gillette....more
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The Gillette Castle Friends website's photo and video gallery offers an engaging glimpse into the unique architecture and history of Gillette Castle, built by the actor William Gillette. Teachers can use this resource to visually introduce students to historic architecture, highlighting features like medieval-style design, quirky details, and scenic surroundings. It serves as an engaging tool for discussions on historical preservation, architectural styles, or regional history. The photos and videos allow students to explore the castle's intricate craftsmanship and design, making history more tangible and accessible. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): architecture (74), connecticut (4), medieval (33), virtual field trips (119)
In the Classroom
After viewing the gallery, students can create their own "castle" design inspired by Gillette Castle. They can draw floor plans, include unique features like secret passages or quirky rooms, and present their designs to the class, explaining how the original structure inspired them. Students can analyze the unique architectural details shown in the gallery and research why certain design elements (Ex. medieval motifs, custom locks, stonework) were popular or unusual at the time. Inspired by Gillette Castle's mysterious atmosphere, students can write a short story set in the castle, perhaps incorporating its unique features, like hidden rooms or secret staircases, as plot elements. Students could write (and share) their short stories using Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Constitution EXPLAINED: Votes for Women - iCivics
Grades
6 to 8
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The iCivics video Constitution Explained: Votes for Women provides a concise and engaging overview of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States....more
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The iCivics video Constitution Explained: Votes for Women provides a concise and engaging overview of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The video explains the history of the women's suffrage movement, the challenges activists faced, and the constitutional changes that led to this milestone, and is designed for students. It also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and voting rights, encouraging viewers to reflect on the significance of equality in democratic processes. This resource is ideal for classrooms exploring the U.S. Constitution and women's rights in history. The video is also available in Spanish.
tag(s): constitution (93), women (146), womens suffrage (51)
In the Classroom
Students can write letters to their local representatives discussing the importance of voting rights and equality, drawing connections between the 19th Amendment and today's issues. Have students design posters, social media posts, or short videos as if they were living during the women's suffrage movement, advocating for the right to vote. They can use a free resource such as Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here. Organize a classroom debate where students argue whether the fight for women's rights is ongoing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Discovery Ed- First Thanksgiving - Discovery Ed
Grades
8 to 12
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This Discovery Education video explores Indigenous perspectives on the first Thanksgiving, providing a more inclusive look at the holiday's history. By centering on Indigenous experiences,...more
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This Discovery Education video explores Indigenous perspectives on the first Thanksgiving, providing a more inclusive look at the holiday's history. By centering on Indigenous experiences, it highlights the cultural practices and contributions of Native American tribes, particularly the Wampanoag people, who were instrumental in helping the Pilgrims survive their first years. It also addresses the challenges, misunderstandings, and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples, offering a more balanced view of Thanksgiving than traditional narratives. This resource can encourage students to consider multiple perspectives and develop a deeper, more respectful understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories surrounding this holiday. Teachers can use the video to prompt discussions on historical empathy, perspective-taking, and the importance of acknowledging all voices in history.
tag(s): empathy (33), holidays (185), native americans (108), perspective (13), thanksgiving (24)
In the Classroom
Students can create visual art or a collage that contrasts traditional Thanksgiving imagery with representations of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. They can use a free resource such as PhotoCollage, reviewed here. Have students explain their artwork in a gallery walk format, fostering discussions about historical accuracy, respect, and representation. Provide students with primary sources like excerpts from Pilgrim diaries or early colonial documents. Ask them to analyze the sources to identify different perspectives and motivations, encouraging critical thinking about reliability, bias, and how history is documented. Students can write a reflective essay on how learning about Indigenous perspectives of the first Thanksgiving has altered their understanding of the holiday. Encourage them to research present-day perspectives from Indigenous voices and suggest how these insights might change their approach to Thanksgiving traditions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Analyzing Historical Presidential Inaugural Addresses - CNN
Grades
6 to 12
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The C-SPAN Classroom website offers a comprehensive collection of free educational resources designed to bring current events and government studies to life for students. Featuring...more
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The C-SPAN Classroom website offers a comprehensive collection of free educational resources designed to bring current events and government studies to life for students. Featuring primary source videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities, covering various topics, including U.S. history, civics, politics, and public policy. Teachers can access video clips and discussion questions that align with curriculum standards, providing students with direct insights into governmental processes and historical events. Ideal for middle and high school classes, C-SPAN Classroom fosters critical thinking and civic engagement by connecting students with real-world examples of civic issues and political debates. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135), speeches (23)
In the Classroom
Organize a mock congressional hearing where students research a current event or policy issue. Assign roles such as committee members, witnesses, and reporters. Students will present their findings, ask questions, and debate differing viewpoints, helping them understand legislative processes and critical thinking. Select a video from C-SPAN Classroom that features a significant historical event or speech. Have students analyze the video, discussing its context, impact, and significance. They can create a presentation using a resource such as Visme, reviewed here or write a reflection on how this event relates to contemporary issues. Start a current events journal where students regularly summarize and reflect on news articles about the U.S. government and politics. They can use C-SPAN Classroom videos as discussion starters. Establish a debate club where students select topics related to government policies or historical events featured on C-SPAN. Divide students into teams to research their positions and engage in structured debates. Many of these activities could be done on the virtual debate website Kialo Edu reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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8 Fun Constitution Day Activities for Students: We the People - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 12
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The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) website offers a blog post titled "Fun Constitution Day Activities for the Classroom," which provides creative and engaging ways to celebrate Constitution...more
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The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) website offers a blog post titled "Fun Constitution Day Activities for the Classroom," which provides creative and engaging ways to celebrate Constitution Day with students. The blog suggests activities like mock trials, interactive discussions, and multimedia resources that help students understand the Constitution's relevance in today's world. It emphasizes and helps foster civic engagement and critical thinking through role-playing, debates, and exploration of historical documents. The post also links to additional resources, making it a helpful guide for teachers to create memorable, educational classroom experiences. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): congress (40), constitution (93), electoral college (23)
In the Classroom
Have students role-play as delegates to debate and draft amendments to the Constitution. Create a scavenger hunt where students search for specific articles, amendments, or key concepts within the U.S. Constitution. Use a virtual scavenger hunt creator such as GooseChase, reviewed here. You can also present students with famous Supreme Court cases related to constitutional issues. They can work in groups to analyze the case, debate the decisions, and present their findings to the class. As an extension, students can research how these decisions affect current laws and rights.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hispanic Heritage Month - National Education Association
Grades
K to 12
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The NEA's Hispanic Heritage Month page offers valuable tools and tips for educators to celebrate and integrate Hispanic culture into their classrooms. It includes a variety of lesson...more
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The NEA's Hispanic Heritage Month page offers valuable tools and tips for educators to celebrate and integrate Hispanic culture into their classrooms. It includes a variety of lesson plans, activities, and resources designed to engage students while fostering an appreciation for Hispanic contributions to history, culture, and society. The site covers different grade levels and subjects, ensuring educators have many options. Additionally, it provides guidance on using culturally responsive teaching strategies to support student engagement and create an inclusive learning environment. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): central america (20), cross cultural understanding (170), cultures (171), dance (31), hispanic (34), south america (40)
In the Classroom
Have students select a country from the Hispanic world and research its culture, traditions, and famous figures. They can create a presentation or a digital poster to share with the class, allowing students to explore diverse aspects of Hispanic heritage using a platform such as Canva, reviewed here. Using a large map of Latin America and Spain, have students pin locations based on historical events or contributions of notable Hispanic individuals discussed in class using a resource such as Google My Maps, reviewed here. Invite a guest speaker from the local Hispanic community or arrange a virtual field trip to a Hispanic cultural center or museum. Introduce students to traditional Hispanic music and dance styles like salsa, flamenco, or mariachi.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Homer's Civil War Veteran: From Battlefield to Wheat Field - EDSITEment
Grades
6 to 8
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The EDSITEment lesson plan "Homer's Civil War Veteran: Battlefield to Wheat Field" offers educators a rich exploration of Winslow Homer's artwork as a lens into post-Civil War America....more
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The EDSITEment lesson plan "Homer's Civil War Veteran: Battlefield to Wheat Field" offers educators a rich exploration of Winslow Homer's artwork as a lens into post-Civil War America. The lesson encourages students to analyze Homer's painting "The Veteran in a New Field" and to discuss themes such as the impact of war, reconstruction, and the transition from military to civilian life. It provides historical context, art analysis techniques, and guiding questions to help students connect visual art with historical understanding.
tag(s): art history (93), civil war (138), veterans (27)
In the Classroom
Have students compare Winslow Homer's "The Veteran in a New Field" with other Civil War-era paintings. They can examine how different artists depict the war's aftermath, focusing on themes like healing, loss, or national recovery. Ask students to write a first-person narrative from the veteran's perspective in the painting. Students can create a timeline that connects the painting to key Civil War events, Reconstruction policies, and changes in agriculture using a resource such as Class Tools reviewed here .Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MapChart United States Map - MapChart
Grades
2 to 12
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MapChart.net's USA map tool allows teachers and students to create custom maps of the United States by coloring individual states. This resource is great for geography lessons, classroom...more
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MapChart.net's USA map tool allows teachers and students to create custom maps of the United States by coloring individual states. This resource is great for geography lessons, classroom projects, or visualizing data such as election results, climate regions, or population density. It offers a simple interface for selecting, customizing, and labeling states. Once completed, the map can be downloaded and printed, making it a versatile tool for both in-class activities and homework assignments.
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tag(s): map skills (59), maps (215), north america (15), population (50), states (124)
In the Classroom
Students can use MapChart.net to color-code states after identifying their capitals. For example, they can mark states where they correctly recall the capital in green and those they need to study in red. Afterward, they can download and print the map for study guides. During a lesson on government and elections, students can color the map to simulate an electoral vote count. Students could also research population density and important landmarks of various U.S. states and then use different colors to represent high-density and low-density areas on the map. During a history lesson on westward expansion, students can use this site to highlight the territories acquired through different treaties (ex, the Louisiana Purchase and Oregon Trail).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Constitution Day Resources - National Constitution Center
Grades
5 to 12
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The National Constitution Center's website offers a variety of resources for Constitution Day, including interactive videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities. These materials...more
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The National Constitution Center's website offers a variety of resources for Constitution Day, including interactive videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities. These materials cover key topics such as the Constitutional Convention, the Preamble, and the Bill of Rights. Teachers can access educational videos, quizzes, primary source documents, and lesson plans exploring constitutional principles. The website also features activities like puzzles and quizzes to engage students in interactively learning about the Constitution. Some of the videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): bill of rights (31), constitution (93)
In the Classroom
Assign landmark Supreme Court cases for groups to research and present, showing how the Constitution has been interpreted over time. Have students rewrite the Preamble for today's society, ensuring it aligns with modern values. Ask students to propose their own amendments based on current issues. They can present their amendments and debate their relevance. Have students role-play as delegates from different states, debating key issues like representation and government structure to form a new constitution to help them understand the compromises made during the Constitutional Convention. Try having a class virtual debate using a tool such as Kialo Edu reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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